Comments

Gary Andersen did a recruiting job on Hayden. Now Coach Andersen is a Badger.
Good luck at USU

Ragnar DanneskjoldBountiful, UT

Dec. 12, 2012 11:46 a.m.

Re: longversion

Okay, first of all your statement that "your bias
doesn't allow you to trust those Mormons to be honest" is laughable and
a great example of an attitude that people despise in some BYU fans. I am
not going to spend all day searching articles from almost 5 years ago, but here
is an example. Look at "BYU: Nelson spurns Ags for Y." The article
quotes Rileys father and says in it:Conversations between coach Higgins at
BYU and coach Favero at Logan led to discussions via email between Riley and BYU
coaches. "Keith Nelson said when news reached him that BYU had some
interest, he requested permission from his son's mission president to
address the issue."

Now this isn't proof that BYU recruited
Riley on his mission, but it is also reason enough to stir reasonable suspicion.
But it is absolutely proof that BYU contacted a missionary during his mission
that was committed to another school. I have no problem with them contacting
him. The question is who initiated contact. There is no proof, but there is
plenty of grounds for suspicion.

kaspercaseygilbert, AZ

Dec. 11, 2012 9:07 p.m.

BYU has three other recievers this recruiting class who have the same 4.5 speed.
The only difference is they are 6'2 and he is 6'0. The only schools to
offer this kid were BYU and USU. I am not loving this recruiting class. Maybe
USU can take a few more of these (low profile) recruits off BYU's hands.

motorbikeCottonwood Heights, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 8:53 p.m.

@worf

"Hmm? Shiply, Davis, Shumway, etc. The Cougs will survive.
It's the utes who should be concerned."

Really? Don't
let any facts get in your way ... like how Utah has a 4 star wide receiver,
Andre Lewis, committed to signing.

The Utes and Ute fans don't
need your concern, but thanks for caring!

AndermartPullman, WA

Dec. 11, 2012 8:05 p.m.

Hayden, we are excited for you. You will love it up in Logan. I wish you had
stuck with BYU, but we all hope you excel wherever your game and your heart take
you. Who knows, once you get out there on your LDS mission you might lean back
to BYU, but if not, we wish you well anyway.

Guam_BombBARRIGADA, GU

Dec. 11, 2012 6:05 p.m.

Not only does he get to play right away but he'll be playing for a team
whose quarterback passed for over 3,000 yards this season. Given BYU's
recent inability to put a successful quarterback on the field and their lack of
identity on offense, there's no question that he made the best decision for
him.

DisgruntledNephi, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 5:51 p.m.

Chris B. you never fail to disappoint. I'm really worried we'll see a
sudden mass exodus of BYU recruits to USU after they read your well thought out
comments. As far as the recruiting missionaries accusations where is the uproar
when BYU loses a player after a mission? Ben Olsen and Jake Murphy are two
prominent examples.

dnaySalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:49 p.m.

Looks like we got Frances Bernard, would rather have another running back then
receiver, plus the guy can play safety. That worked out very well I think. I
hope Weichers does well for Utah State and I hope they continue to do well,
it's nice to see them win again. Of course I still don't think
Anderson will stay through his entire contract, he'll get a better deal and
move on. It would help him stay if you guys could fill the stadium for home
games, the best season in years and can't fill it, to a coach that's
not good, hurts recruiting and just makes it harder. Let's hope that get
turned around.

altahoopsProvo, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:42 p.m.

"unfortunately this condescending world-view is part of why I chose not to
attend BYU."

That and the fact that you didn't get accepted,
right?

altahoopsProvo, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:31 p.m.

"Still and all, a Cornell education is worth every penny."

Just ask Andy Bernard... ribip bip bi do

altahoopsProvo, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:29 p.m.

Wiecher's own words are pretty clear... "scholarship opened up, I could
play right away, that's all I needed to hear." Translation: Despite the
sport's writers efforts to attribute this to a Utah State program on the
rise (which it is.. not question), the decision was about who would pony up the
scholarship the fastest. In all honesty, that is how most bubble players make
the decision of which school to go to. Rarely is it about the best fit. They
usually don't have that luxury. Most often it's about whoever will pay
me whether or not it is my first choice.

My criticism isn't of
players that do this. I have a daughter who did it too. My criticism is of
sports writers who embellish the story to make it something that it is not.

longversionSANDY, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:16 p.m.

SummitHigh, I think BYU1993's comments are up to interpretation. For a
Mormon kid I think his comment is dead on. BYU isn't immune from elements
that could lure a kid from his or her religious and moral commitments, but they
are nothing like what you can find around the USU or Utah campuses. That
doesn't make those schools or the people who attend them evil or bad, it
just means more opportunities for Mormon kids to go places they know they
shouldn't. Call that self-righteous, zealous, holier-than-thou, and all
the other names that get thrown at the BYU athletes and fan base, but
that's a fact. The environment at BYU is designed to help LDS kids have a
college experience that compliments their religious beliefs.

byufan1993Provo, , UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:05 p.m.

You also put words in my mouth and ideas into my mouth. I do not think I am
better than anyone else because I attend BYU. I realize USU Utah are great
schools where one can develop into a great man or woman, I simply acknowledge
that at BYU, because it is a private institution, these topics are more welcome
and encouraged. I love starting class out with a prayer. And I love my
university of choice. That does not mean in any way that I think less of other
universities. I like the Honor Code. And I chose to go to school where the laws
I choose to live by, can be enforced. I do not in any way look down and belittle
USU, Utah, or any other university.

byufan1993Provo, , UT

Dec. 11, 2012 4:04 p.m.

I did not say BYU has a corner on those aspects! I did not say one cannot be
completely happy at Utah or Utah State! I considered both schools and there was
never a question in my mind that I wouldn't find the Gospel and other
important things there! However, they do not have the Honor Code. Beer, sex, and
other things are allowed on campus. Things that I do not want to be surrounded
by. BYU DOES have a corner on that aspect. And I was simply saying kids respect
that, I respect that. That does NOT mean I think am 'holier than thou'
or anything like that. It sounds to me like you group a large number of people
into a very small group probably based on the actions of a few. That is not
fair.

runnerguy50Virginia Beach, Va

Dec. 11, 2012 3:48 p.m.

Look for more quality players to head to Logan. As a player or a parent if you
look at who Bronco chose as qb you really would be rolling the dice by going to
BYU. The coach is poor at evaulating players.

longversionSANDY, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 3:43 p.m.

Ragnar Danneskjold, just provide some credible evidence that BYU did what you
and others assume they did. There was a lot of hearsay and innuendo back when
the Nelson decision was made public but not a single publication, that I'm
aware of, reported any evidence that BYU coaches or staff contacted Riley on his
mission. Riley has denied it, BYU has denied it, but your bias doesn't
allow you to trust those Mormons to be honest people and the ends justify your
suspicions.

You'd be thrown out of the court with your current
line of prosecution.

BlueNtheFaceRancho Cucamonga, CA

Dec. 11, 2012 2:56 p.m.

Utah_State_FanLogan, Utah"BYU will more than likely go after
Weichers when he has 3 months left in his mission. I won't believe he is
going to Utah State until he is wearing an Aggie uniform AFTER his mission. I
personally believe that student athletes, while on their missions, are off
limits to recruiting, unwritten rule if you will."

I know for a
fact that Riley was planning on transferring (with or without a scholarship) to
BYU post-mission. He told his closest friends and LHS coaches about it. BYU
didn't and doesn't actively recruit missionaries. You still may lose
him after his mission though, so your anxiety is merited. He'll just have
to serve the "Riley Rule" penalty.

P.S. We've got a
great slot receiver in the wings just waiting for JD to graduate - Cody Raymond
(another local recruit).Don't cry for us.

MaxCharlotte, NC

Dec. 11, 2012 2:09 p.m.

Wow. A lot of people are worked up over this -- even to the point of trashing
this kid's ability. So a recruit changed his mind. It happens all the time
and at every school. Yawn.

Ragnar DanneskjoldBountiful, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 1:32 p.m.

BYU didn't break any rules in recruiting Nelson. At the time, it was an
understanding that in state coaches had, and Bronco has been critical of other
coaches doing it. It was discussed at length when it happened and most people
recognize that it was a little shady, but BYU fans wouldn't accept the
"evidence" that 'longversion' is looking for if it were right
in front of their face. They absolutely contacted Nelson when he was on his
mission.

Hopefully Weichers will play well in Logan.Can I
get at least one Cougar fan who will accept that it is possible that receivers
don't want to go to BYU because they are no longer a passing team? Hill is
another running QB. That doesn't appeal to people who get the ball thrown
to them. Doman is ruining the program.

dnaySalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 12:57 p.m.

BYU has lost a few recruits while on missions too people, it's amazing you
can spout out things and call them facts, I doubt you know any facts at all. Why
would BYU recruit a guy like Nelson when he's on his mission and break the
rules for a below avg college qb? When they already had a 5 star recruit
commitment, and good qb's in the fold. Remember this is the same university
who sat a guy for the NCAA tournament for breaking there own rules, a guy who
could have easily help them get to the final 4. So you think this same
university would break rules by the NCAA for Nelson for what to get ahead? Use
some common sense if you have some! Isn't it about the same to continue to
hawk a guy who's already committed to another university? Wow make sense
guys! I think it's a good thing for Weichers he wouldn't have played
at all next year and maybe not when he returned to BYU. Right now they a lot of
good young receivers, & if Anderson wanted him that bad it's good he
chose to go.

longversionSANDY, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 12:14 p.m.

@plyxplyx - Can you please provide the evidence (not your opinion or someone
elses) that BYU recruited Riley Nelson while he was still on his mission. BYU
has repeatedly explained its position on not contacting missionaries in the
field. They simply don't do it. Family can do whatever they want. Friends
who communicate with the missionary can do and say what they want. To insinuate
BYU is doing something against its own rules is pretty serious and deserves some
solid evidence from those making accusations. If you have such evidence, please
make it available to local media who can then present it to BYU, the public, and
any other entity that would need or want to see it.

SummitHighSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 11:53 a.m.

Re: thunder struck

I loved the post, funniest thing about it is how
many people will miss the sarcasm :)

To byufan1993:

You
see, some of your comments explain part of the beef that Aggie faithful have
with an unfortunate attitude of many BYU fans. BYU being "a good university
with standards that are appealing to good young men" applies outside of the
BYU-Provo campus. I personally find that the University of Utah, USU, and many
other universities across the country and world qualify if these are the
requirements for a good university for good people with hopes and dreams.
Nothing to take away from the value that the university provided to you
personally, that's great, but BYU doesn't have the corner on that
market, from sports to academics to overall life education.

Don't get me wrong, some of my favorite people are BYU alumni, but
unfortunately this condescending world-view is part of why I chose not to attend
BYU. It's proud, unbecomming, and childish.

longversionSANDY, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 11:53 a.m.

Thunder struck, it appears lightening struck first and fried your reasoning
ability. The kid is maybe a 2 star prospect. He chose USU because he wants to
play as a freshman and that isn't in the cards at BYU. No big deal. BYU
is well stocked at the receiver position. Congrats on your coup. Congrats to the
kid. Everyone be happy.

guitarboySouth Jordan, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 11:15 a.m.

junkgeek?

It sounds like you have a concern, and you're trying
to air it. But I don't see the connection between your concern and the
comments made. Let us know which comments you feel support your concern. I am
not sure there are any.

EdGrady -- your comment made my laugh, but I
admit, I felt guilty for laughing. It just goes to show, most all of us will
laugh at someone else's expense. The fact is, the vast majority who had an
opinion, "voted" for Riley Nelson over Jake Heaps. I have nothing
against Heaps, or Nelson. I kind of hope James Lark starts in the bowl game,
and that Taysom Hill doesn't get injured again in his college career.

Hayden Weichers -- good job a Bingham, and we wish you the best at USU.
USU, like the Utah Jazz, tends to unify the state of Utah instead of divide it.
It is pretty hard not to find any football fan in Utah who doesn't smile
when the Utah State Aggies are mentioned.

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 11:12 a.m.

This kid is very fast and should be a good player for USU, he is a good pick up
for them. But I don't think this is a bad thing for BYU. They had more wr
recruits than they really needed this year. Congratulations to him for going to
a place where he can play immediately if that is his desire.

worfMcallen, TX

Dec. 11, 2012 11:06 a.m.

Hmm? Shiply, Davis, Shumway, etc. The Cougs will survive. It's the utes
who should be concerned.

junkgeekAgua Dulce, TX

Dec. 11, 2012 10:57 a.m.

What these comments teach me is that going on a mission at 19 or 20 is now
considered bad form. Ye gads.

thunder struckSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 10:50 a.m.

inconceivable! he must have not been eligible or wasn't interested in
playing in front of 60,600 people on Saturdays at 11pm on ESPN5 against New
Mexicao state, because why would anyone EVER turn down byu for Utah State.
That's outrageous to the point that there must be more to the story.
Congratulations though he is a good receiver I am still just baffled that anyone
would ever say no to byu.

Y's GuySalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 10:29 a.m.

Utah_State_FanLogan, Utah"BYU will more than likely go after
Weichers when he has 3 months left in his mission. I won't believe he is
going to Utah State until he is wearing an Aggie uniform AFTER his mission. I
personally believe that student athletes, while on their missions, are off
limits to recruiting, unwritten rule if you will."

First, USF, if
you actually bothered to read the article, you would have learned that he is
going to USU right away. Not AFTER his mission.

Second--I can only
imagine the weeping and wailing from USU fans if the reverse had happened. Oh,
the cries of 'foul!" and "unfair!", and maybe even
"cheaters!" thrown in. Yes, the hypocrisy is a delight to behold.

fibonacci2112Langley, VA

Dec. 11, 2012 9:54 a.m.

I don't look at it as a loss to BYU. Based on his his stats, I don't
see him as the next great receiver for BYU. I can't even find a youtube
video showing his highlights. He probably looked at the depth chart and saw
that he would be sitting for a while and opted for the frozen tundra up North.

plyxplySLC, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 9:42 a.m.

byu fan....you have got to be joking right? BYU is suffering from karma right
now for doing exactly what you say they don't do, recruit kids while on
their mission. Riley Nelson is the prime example of how BYU recruits kids on
their missions and it serves them right!Hayden is definitely an excellent
recruit. He didn't have good numbers because he didn't have a qb who
could deliver the ball at Bingham this year, but he is a legit D1 kid.Congrats to the Aggies on winning this recruit away from BYU, hopefully
Harrison from Alta will make the same decision and choose the Aggies as well.
Congrats Hayden!!!

Chris BSalt Lake City, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 9:42 a.m.

Perhaps he wanted a chance to play in a BCS game. With being just 2 field goals
away, it wouldnt surprise me at all to see USU in a BCS bowl game in the next 5
years.

I think the point being missed on Weichers' switch to USU is that he has
apparently decided to defer his mission. He plans to "play immediately"
for the Aggies rather than wait two years. He would have played behind a similar
player, JD Falslev, had he gone to BYU fresh out of high school, whereas he
could get significant playing time this Fall in Logan. Good get for USU and a
smart tactic by Coach Anderson in promising immediate PT.

BomarRoberts, ID

Dec. 11, 2012 9:33 a.m.

After this past season, I would expect the Aggies to benefit from having their
best season and heading in the right direction. Conversely, I would expect the
Cougars & Utes to suffer losses in their recruiting, as well as lose some of
their verbal commits.

EdGradyIdaho Falls, ID

Dec. 11, 2012 9:27 a.m.

Re: Utah_State_Fan

Trust me, we don't want anymore of your
recruits.

BayareafanOrinda, CA

Dec. 11, 2012 9:11 a.m.

Agree with kudos to Luke Falk but it could be more of a financial burden than a
jackpot. Cornell, like the other Ivies, does not give football scholarships.
Let's hope that Luke's academic prowess matches his football abilities
and he gets an academic scholarship. Still and all, a Cornell education is worth
every penny.

worfMcallen, TX

Dec. 11, 2012 9:08 a.m.

This is a win for everybody.

byufan1993Provo, , UT

Dec. 11, 2012 8:52 a.m.

Utah_State_Fan

Seriously?! You are absolutely right that recruiting
should not take place while the young man is in the mission field. And BYU
adheres to that! Stop complaining! The fact is the mission changes you, and you
want different things when you get back. It just so happens that BYU can offer
those things. This isn't a result of recruiting. It's a result of BYU
being a good university, with standards that are actually appealing to many good
young men. It's why I chose to attend BYU. You got this recruit and that is
marvelous for you! I'm happy for you and happy for him. I don't
understand all the hatred towards BYU. I love Utah State! I root for you guys
all the time! I root for Utah too! I feel horrible for Alex Smith and the
situation he has been put in! I wanted to see him succeed! So don't point
the finger at BYU when there are three more pointing back at you. Show some
civility. Go Aggies! Go Utes! Go COUGARS!!!

Sports NutzSmithfield, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 7:35 a.m.

I will continue to trust GA in his recruiting process and realize that he knows
far more than any fan about judging D1 talent, including Black Shirts. Welcome
to the AGGIES Hayden.....great choice.

Black ShirtsSouth Jordan, UT

Dec. 11, 2012 5:00 a.m.

Thank you!

This kid was a surprise recruit anyway. He had very low
stats for a D1 level recruit. This leaves room for a better pick and BYU already
has 4 quality RX recruits this year. In fact, I think the kid realized he
wasn't going to get any PT. So again, Thank you Gary A. I think he is a 1
star.

Utah_State_FanLogan, Utah

Dec. 10, 2012 11:40 p.m.

BYU will more than likely go after Weichers when he has 3 months left in his
mission. I won't believe he is going to Utah State until he is wearing an
Aggie uniform AFTER his mission. I personally believe that student athletes,
while on their missions, are off limits to recruiting, unwritten rule if you
will.

JoCo UteGrants Pass, OR

Dec. 10, 2012 10:57 p.m.

Congrats to both men. Way to go USU. But the real big time winner here is Luke
Falk and family. They just hit the educational jackpot. Cornell's Ivy
League education can't be beat and tuition, fees and room and board is
about $60,000 per year. Wow!